The toy.. In the therapist's office, the serene atmosphere that once comforted me whenever I came here couldn’t ease the burden my heart was carrying.“Hi Aria, welcome back. I noticed you’ve missed a few sessions recently. Is there something specific that brought you in today, or anything you’d like to talk about?” Amelia stated as she settled down in her seat, her big jotter on her lap and a pen in her left hand.Swallowing hard, I sighed. “For some time, it just feels like something is hanging in my throat.”“I understand that life can get very busy, and it sounds like you’ve been dealing with a lot. Would you like to talk more about what’s been happening at work and in other areas of your life?”“I don’t even know where to begin,” I responded.“It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. We can start wherever feels most comfortable for you. Is there a particular event or feeling that’s been on your mind lately, or something you’d like to explore first?” Amelia encouraged me to ponder aloud.
LUCY..As I unwrapped my sweet and tossed it into my mouth, I opened the door leading into the room. The soft glow of dim lighting and the soothing aroma of essential oils assaulted me, messing with the taste of my sweet. Before my eyes was my mother, lying on her stomach on the massage table, her eyes closed, and a look of peaceful relaxation on her face. The gentle hum of calming music filled the air, blending seamlessly with the rhythmic motions of the massage therapist's hands gliding over her back."You sent for me?" I asked, stepping into the room. My mother opened her eyes slowly, a serene smile spreading across her face."Yes, dear," she replied gently. "Sit down," she said. "I want information on how things are going between you and Damon."I tucked my chin to the floor.She sighed at my silence. "That means nothing's changed. I can’t believe I raised such a failure.""Honestly, I can't believe how much of a failure you've become. You’ve disappointed everyone around you. I
The CEO..I sat with Zack and Tracy at our usual VIP spot at Greysville Lounge. I took a deep gulp from my cup, trying to quench the tension in my chest before I spoke up."You know," I began, catching their attention, "while we've been putting a lot of energy into Zeetech, I haven't forgotten about TNK Corporation. In fact, I've been working hard to boost and upgrade it as best as I could."Zack raised an eyebrow. "Oh? That's quite good.“Tracy nodded, sipping her juice. "That's impressive. Balancing three companies must be quite the challenge.""It is," I admitted with a smile, "but it's worth it. I believe in both Zeetech and TNK.”I turned to Tracy and asked, "How many shares does the Beckham family hold in Beckham Construction?""80 percent," Tracy replied, pouring her mixed-flavored fruit drink into a glass. "But after selling 20 percent, they should possess roughly 60 percent."Zack's eyes widened, causing him to choke on his drink. He coughed and spittered, struggling to reg
The CEO . . Immediately my eyes opened, an acute pain traversed my head, causing me to wince. I couldn’t remember the last time I had drunk like that—not even when I caught Binky cheating. After leaving my father’s place last night, I had headed to Zach’s and drowned myself in alcohol. Rising and sitting at the corner of the bed, I cupped my face in my palms and took a deep breath, my father’s rejection still stinging my mind and body. After a few seconds, I rose up, strode downstairs—every step heavy and dead—heading towards the dining room where Zach’s voice came from. “Feeling any better?” Zach questioned, sipping from his coffee. I slouched back in the chair, my eyes blank and devoid of emotion. “Don’t give up yet. Just convince him again,” Zach continued. “My father’s words are like ye and amen; there is no going back,” I stated. I had known him all my life; he had never gone back on his word. My head ached as the thought of being stuck with my father began to haunt me.
The toy..I walked out of my mother’s room, and the whole environment was choking and suffocating me. Mrs. Johnson was right—I need this break. I had been spending most of my days and nights with my mother, trying to fit in my personal work while she was asleep. The constant care and balancing of my responsibilities had become overwhelming.I placed my hand on my waist as I walked through the hallway, my body aching from head to toe. The exhaustion crippled every part of me, and I desperately needed the comfort of a proper bed instead of the small couch I had been using. My muscles screamed for relief, and each step reminded me of how much rest I truly needed.While walking, a female nurse approached me, saying, "Excuse me." She handed me a bouquet of white lilies and purple roses, adding, "Mr. Wesley said to give this to you," before walking away.Holding the flowers in my hands, my chest tightened. Damon was here and didn’t stop by.I noticed a small note attached to the flowers.
The toy..After taking a break from work, I spent most of my time with her, occasionally stretching my back on the bed. To keep her company, I brought my laptop, and we watched movies together. I also bought a deck of cards, and we played games. She wasn’t like the woman in the diary; though I could see some traces of her former self, she had changed. Coma does actually change one. It gives you enough time to reflect on your actions.Whenever I forgot I was Aria, I enjoyed her company. But when I remembered how she felt about me, my heart sank. So, I did what I was very good at—locking it all up.She asked me to buy her a novel, a romance about two people from different worlds with different powers who were never meant to be. She said it had hooked her before she entered the coma, and she wanted to finish it. It hurt me that she seemed to remember everything except that I survived.After hours of reading, the sun had been replaced by the moon, its warm air by a cold breeze.“How doe
The CEO..Zach swayed around in his swivel chair, chair, having a conversation with his mother. Mother. From his smile, smile, II could tell it was a nice conversation that made me feel like mothers were actually better.I suddenly disagreed when Lucy’s mother came to mind. . making me pity Lucy, Lucy, who was putting putting up with, her, but it wasn’t deep since I knew what she wanted and what her mother wanted weren’t far apart."Alright, talk to you later," Zach said. He dropped his phone on his cluttered desk, the screen dimming as it landed atop a stack of paperwork. Zach leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples.He turned to face me, his brow furrowed. "Why do you think your father said no?" he asked.I rubbed my chin, my fingers tapping lightly against his desk. “Maybe it's because Zeetech hasn’t gotten enough recognition," I said as I sat up, leaning forward. "My father is a kleptomaniac for power. Maybe it’s not just about profits."I had pondered for two days straigh
The CEO..My eyes flickered slowly as I caught a whiff of a beautiful food aroma. My eyes sprang open, realizing I was at home—there was no way Lucy could have made something that smelled this nice.I scurried to the kitchen, still in my pajamas. My eyes were greeted by the sight of various dishes that looked as good as they smelled.“What are we celebrating?” I questioned her as soon as Lucy walked in, her smile brighter than her blonde hair.“Our new beginning,” she replied, helping me settle into a dining seat and then sitting down next to me. “I hired the chef back,” she added.The news gladdened my heart. Finally, I could have a nice meal at home.I poured the chicken sauce onto the rice before scooping it into my mouth. Its beautiful taste melted on my tongue.Lucy stared at me like something was stuck in her throat.“What is it?” I questioned. If she kept looking at me like that, I was going to choke sooner or later.“About last night,” she began. “Did you really mean what yo
Lucy pov ...Amidst the lush greenery, the breeze sung a calm song to me. I sat on the bench watching other patients. They were all crazy. I scoffed and skimmed my hands on my patient outfit. I turned and faced Logan, who arrived a few seconds later. “It’s been ages.” Logan smiled. “I wanted to get red roses, but you said you love yellow flowers." He handed me a bouquet of yellow roses.I smiled and accepted it. “How’s your sister?” I faced him. “Tell me you have stopped smoking.”It’s been a long time since I had a conversation with the outside world. I had no family and no friends ever came to visit. It was nice to see him.Logan chuckled. “I have stopped smoking.” His green eyes gleamed beneath the yellow hues of the sun. “And for my sister.” He paused and clenched the edge of the wooden seat. “She didn’t make it.” His voice softened.“I am so sorry.” My chest tightened. I knew how much he loved his sister.“But I opened a bar.” A wide smile formed across his lips. “When you g
Lucy ..(This chapter contains violence that might disturb viewers. Viewers' discretion is advised.)The news had already spread like wildfire. Damon hadn’t said anything, nor have I; people could only wonder what happened that led to us canceling our wedding a day before. My friend had asked, and I told them that I ended it after discovering Damon wanted to absorb my company just like his father did to other companies.Leaning back on my office chair, I sighed. I was this close to having him. I jolted up as the door opened. “There’s a meeting with the board of directors,” Tina announced. “Now?” I raised a brow. “Why?” She adjusted her glasses. “Yes, Ma’am. I really don’t know. But all the members are around.” I sprang to my feet. The clicks of my heels echoed. My heart pounded. How come I wasn’t aware of the meeting? Sweat swathed across my palm.Opening the door, my eyes fell on the seven members—they were all here. It was hard for them to gather together, except something v
The toy ..I dragged the last luggage down the stairs and placed it at the door. I was tired of being his toy. I was stupid to think that we would end up together. I had enough savings to start up my life. I need to run away from Manhattan, from New York. I need to move far away, to another place.I glanced around the apartment; so many beautiful and ugly memories; both of them haunted me.Opening the door, I gasped as my eyes fell on Damon. I held the tears that welled in my eyes. My heart twisted yet fluttered. Pain and relief fought to dominate my chest—neither won.His eyes fell on my luggage, and he frowned. “Where are you going?” What is he going to say to me? No, stay here and watch me get married to another woman. I rolled my wet eyes. “I’m leaving Damon.” I tried to bolster my voice, to show resolve.He inched closer and shut the door behind him. His beautiful amber eyes burned into mine. The eyes I had loved so much, that had caused me so much pain. Now one of my babies
The CEO..I climbed the stairs, each step feeling as heavy as the weight pressing down on my heart. Pearl had handed over the remaining 10 percent of the company shares to me, knowing that once the engagement and merger were finalized, the Wesley Corporation would likely dissolve Beckham Construction. The certificate was cold in my hands, but it felt meaningless now.As I passed by Lucy's room, the sound of her soft chuckle drifted out, followed by her mother's voice. I glared at the door. The thought of me spending the rest of my life with her was mentally gnawing. I was doing this for the child; once the child is enough, I'll get a divorce and just focus on my child. The memories of my childhood after my mother flooded in—just me and my father. "Damon isn’t around, right?" Mrs. Beckham asked. "Are you sure he is?"I was about to walk away, but the question glued my feet to the floor and, like a magnet, pulled my ears to the door."He isn't," Lucy replied, a note of excitement bub
The toy ..Tears streamed down my face, warm and bitter as they traced the curves of my cheeks. The room around me was silent like it was holding its breath, waiting for me to break.And I did.I muffled my sobs, pressing the back of my hand against my mouth, trying to keep it together, even though no one was around to witness. My elbows dug into my thighs as I leaned forward, staring at the two red lines on the pregnancy test. They glared back at me, mocking me. I shook my head, refusing to believe it. This couldn’t be real. What now? My mind raced, thoughts crashing into each other like waves against a rock. Damon’s wedding was just two days away. Two days. Even if I told him, what would change? I could hear Mr. Brian's voice in my head, loud and clear. Men know who they want to marry, and they keep the others around just for fun.I had brushed off those words when he first said them, but now they are repeated. in my mind, each repetition drilling pain into my heart—I should ha
The CEO..The drive was perfect, the kind of perfect that only comes once in a long while. The wind whipped through my hair as the convertible glided down the winding road, the sun casting a golden glow over everything it touched. The expression on my father when I testified against him in court felt like an award—a medal.Opening the door to my house, my gaze fell on Mrs. Beckham and Lucy.Mrs. Beckham stood in the center of the room, her presence cold.My smile faded, “Mrs. Beckham,” I greeted her with a curt nod. Mrs. Beckham was the female version of my father, so I spoke, a knot formed in my stomach as her presence gnawed at me.She didn’t return my pleasantries. Instead, she placed a crisp white envelope on the burly wood table, her eyes boring into mine. “Open it,” she instructed, her tone strict and firm. I hesitated for a second before crossing the room.I hardened my gaze as I snatched up the envelope, the paper cool and smooth against my skin. I tore it open and pulled
(This chapter contains violence that might disturb viewers. Viewers' discretion is advised.) The CEO . . I had changed into another outfit as I sat on the bed in my room. I constantly rubbed my hands, although they were clean. I could still feel Zach’s blood on my hand. How could I lose control? How could I hurt him? I smacked my head with my hand, letting out a grunt. Tracy trudged in. She only kept thinner and paler. “How are you doing?” “How is Zach? Is he up?” My fingers fidgeted. “No.” She tossed a file to me. “That’s the rest of my company.” “Why are you giving me?” Tracy’s expression softened. “Damon, I can die any moment. I need to leave my company with someone competent.” A weak smile stretched her lip. “Now let go and take your freedom from your father.” She gripped my hand, a failed attempt to pull me up. My chest tightened; this heart of mine had experienced too much pain. Another gloominess lingered at the mention of her dying any moment. I was too
The CEO . .Lying on the bed, I felt the sheets beneath me, my eyes closed, yet my mind was restless, buzzing with haunting images I couldn’t escape. Binky's tears haunted me; her face burned into my thoughts. But it was my father’s smile that truly kept me awake—the coldness, the quiet satisfaction he always had when things went his way. My hand gripped the bedsheet, twisting it, hoping it could ease my pain— but nothing.I couldn’t shake the thought—if only I’d been better, if only I’d been stronger if only I could’ve been more than this... this puppet he so easily manipulated. But I wasn’t. I was nothing more than a piece on his board and moved around to suit his game. The bitterness of it tore me from the inside out, choking with helplessness. If only I could turn the tables and make him pay for all of it. I wasn’t that person—not powerful enough, not anything enough.Stumbling to the closet, I flung open a drawer, my heart racing as I reached for the revolver inside. The c
Toy..I sat in the large, imposing courtroom. The air thickened with tension, but Nope still hung over, hoping Justice could be served. The murmurs of spectators seized as the proceedings began, leaving the shuffle of the papers. My eyes fixed on Damon’s father, who stood in the defendant box. Occasionally, he would stare at me and flash a smile that aggravated me. His words still rang in my ears, the way he casually told me how I looked softer than Aria outside the courtroom. I clenched my fist, hoping he would rot in jail for eternity. Mr. Jackson stood at the defendant's box. His eyes constantly darted between me and Mr. Wesley. My chest was tight like I was carrying the weight of the world on my chest. The flutters in my stomach were so grave that I might have developed stomach cancer. I sighed, hoping Damon’s threat should have walked in. Damon had messaged Mr. Jackson once he confessed to Mr. Wesley. He would protect him as Mr. Wesley would be powerless and be behind bars.